York City v Southend: Worthington worry as performance levels dip

For a team looking to go one better than last season’s play-off appearance, however, wins are the order of the day and Nigel Worthington is looking for a big improvement today as the Minstermen look to claim that elusive first win at Bootham Crescent when Southend United are the visitors.

The City manager was fiercely critical of his side’s decision-making in Tuesday’s goalless draw with Luton Town and he now admits the time has come for the players to deliver.

“There is nothing majorly wrong,” said the former Northern Ireland international, whose side sit 16th in the table with one win and six draws from their eight league outings.

“But we do need to get back to taking responsibility for receiving and passing the ball.

“We have only lost one of our last 25 league matches, but the performance levels have dropped off in the last two games and, sometimes, you have to put a clear marker down.”

Worthington has a number of selection decisions to resolve with Anthony Straker pushing for a recall after being dropped to the bench against Luton.

Michael Coulson could also be returned to the flank, while three of the summer arrivals - Jake Hyde, Dave Winfield and Jason Mooney - will all be hoping to win a return to the starting line-up.

York had been hoping to bring a loan signing in ahead of Southend’s visit but has been frustrated by clubs refusing to let out either of his targets due to having their own injury problems.

Meanwhile, Daniel Parslow has joined Grimsby Town on a one-month loan deal as part of his recovery from serious injury.